Ketchikan: Grueling
Firefighter-1 Training Underway - Current members and new
recruits of the Ketchikan Fire Department, North Tongass and
South Tongass Volunteer Fire Departments have been working diligently
since August 22nd to complete Firefighter-1 training under the
direction of Ketchikan Fire Department Training and Safety Officer,
Terry Roberts.

The 140 plus hours spent training
these firefighters includes more than 27 subjects and countless
hours of home study in preparation for a written examination
on October 16th, said Fire Chief Jim Hill in a news release.

Hill said the grueling training
requires 100% attendance and several weeks commitment from the
students who hope to become "interior qualified" and
properly trained to safely and effectively become firefighters
for this community. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Governor Parnell made his remarks
while attending the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission
annual meeting in Biloxi, Mississippi.

"Responsible resource
development built Alaska and remains the foundation for our future
prosperity," Governor Parnell said. "My administration
believes that Alaska can stimulate the national economy through
the opening of our OCS. We appreciate the support of this commission."

Alaska's OCS contains an estimated
27 billion barrels of recoverable oil and 130 trillion cubic
feet of recoverable natural gas. The available oil is more than
twice the amount that has been produced on Alaska's North Slope
since the Trans Alaska Pipeline System went online in 1977. Counting
its OCS reserves, Alaska likely has more than 30 percent of the
nation's recoverable oil and gas. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Alaska:Begich
Continues to Push for Fair Pay for Federal Workers - Continuing
the fight to ensure fair pay and retirement benefits for federal
employees in Alaska, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich continues to push
to bring parity between federal workers' retirement in Alaska,
Hawaii, and the U.S. territories with those in the continental
U.S.

Begich joined Sen. Daniel Akaka
of Hawaii, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Sen. Daniel Inouye
of Hawaii in March in introducing The Non-Foreign Area Retirement
Equity Assurance Act, which allows for the gradual transition
to locality pay from cost of living allowance (COLA) increases.

Hawaii, Alaska, and the territories
currently receive untaxed COLA that does not count toward retirement
instead of the locality pay that other federal employees receive.
As a result, many citizens of Alaska, Hawaii and the territories
move back to the mainland to boost their pensions in the last
three years of their employment; or receive inequitable pensions.

The issue is currently being
considered as part of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2010. Meanwhile, with the start of the new Fiscal
Year on Oct. 1, federal employees in Alaska, Hawaii and the territories
saw a 1 percent reduction in their federal wages. Although locality
rates generally increase, the non-foreign COLA rates have been
gradually declining. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Thousands of the mysterious
creatures appeared suddenly off the Washington Coast and Strait
of Juan de Fuca this summer. Some researchers say the aggressive
animal, which has generally stayed south of California, has the
potential to disrupt local ecosystems in more northern areas.

Why the squid arrived here
and how long it will stay are just two of the questions researchers
would like to answer. Since the squid eat just about anything
-- including young salmon -- fisheries managers are looking for
answers that can help them protect vulnerable species.

This week, Greg Bargmann, a
biologist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife,
and William Gilly, a Stanford University researcher, went about
20 miles offshore of Westport to catch a few dozen squid. Stomach
contents were examined in about 30 animals. Another 24 were implanted
with acoustic tags, which will allow researchers to track their
movements through a network of acoustic receivers up and down
the West Coast, including Canada. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Arts & Entertainment

Ketchikan:Ketchikan's
Arts & Entertainment - This week in Ketchikan, Alvin
Youngblood Hart Performs! Alvin Youngblood Hart defies genres-
a blues, rock, jazz, metal, anything guitarist. He's a "musician's
musician" whose praises have been sung by everyone from
Bob Dylan to Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor. He's had multiple
Grammy nominations, two Living Blues Awards, had a New York Times
top 10 album, the BBC's Best Release of the Year, and the blues
and guitar magazines continue to shower him with awards and nominations.

Alvin Youngblood Hart
Saturday, October 10th

In short, he's one of the world's
foremost practitioners of the blues genre. His collaborations
include Bo Diddley and Ruthy Foster, David Murray, Leo Onocentelli
and Ishmael Reed Audley Freed (Black Crowes), and he's opened
for Taj Mahal at Yoshi's, (who said of Hart: "Boy got thunder
in his hands,"). He has worked on multiple film projects
including a feature in "the Soul of a Man," in Martin
Scorsese's film series "The Blues," and was also featured
in the documentary "Last of the Mississippi Jukes."
He has a list of recordings, collaborations, and praises that
can't fit here. Don't miss the hottest blues to visit Ketchikan!
The Alvin Youngblood Hart concert is part of the Arts Council's
Torch Nights Performance Series, and will be at 6:00pm and 8:00pm
on Saturday, October 10th at the Saxman Tribal House. Tickets
are $20 for Adults, $16 for Students and Seniors. Call the Arts
Council at 225-2211.

Seeking Volunteers for the
Alvin Youngblood Hart Concert! We couldn't make the Torch Nights
Season of Performances happen without the help of our volunteers
taking tickets, ushering, helping us load in, and so much more!
Want to get involved? We would love to have you help at the Alvin
Youngblood Hart performance on Saturday, October 10th. Give us
a call at 225-2211, or e-mail anitam@ketchikanarts.org

Sweet Second Saturdays. Dance
to old time music- no dance partner or experience necessary!
Join the fun on Saturday, October 10th, 7:00pm at the stARTled
Salmon. All are welcome, FREE! - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

If you submit a letter
and it is not published, please contact editor@sitnews.us
or call 617-9696.

How
Can We Survive as a Community Without Access to Public Lands?
By Myla Poelstra - News of the upcoming Senate hearing on S.
881, the Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization
Act, or "the Sealaska bill," has sent a wave of disbelief
and disappointment throughout our community. For years we have
been reaching out to our Senators and Congressman, imploring
them to take a closer look at the devastating impact this legislation
will have on Edna Bay and other Prince of Wales communities.
We have sent more than 1200 letters to our government over the
past two years trying to get someone to listen. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Vote
Yes on pool issue By Wayne Kinunen - Ketchikan Borough citizens,
On this upcoming Tuesday, I am encouraging you to vote yes on
Proposition 2 which will provide Ketchikan with a new pool at
no increase in your taxes. Reasons: - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Please
write in Michelle Houtcooper By Michelle Houtcooper - I would
greatly appreciate your write in vote on October 6th for the
Ketchikan Gateway School Board. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Pool
By Walt Hoefe - In 1968 I was elected to the Borough Assembly.
My main platform was to push for a pool/pools. We had a lot of
projects going at the time: Valley Park School, High School addition,
White Cliff upgrades, Airport Terminal, buying two airport ferries.
It was an exciting time, what with all the public works projects.
- More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

School
Zones: Slow Down the Speed Limit is 20mph By Amber Anderson
- Failure to enforce the school zone speed limits are a tragedy
in waiting. I am appalled at the lack of concern of our children's'
safety here in Ketchikan. Over the course of a year I have witnessed
that most drivers drive far above the posted limit. These drivers
do not come into any stereotype. Offenders to yield to this school
zone are young, middle aged and older. They are city bus drivers,
cab drivers, city workers, people dropping their kids off at
school and those going to work. The worst time is during the
time children are walking to school and their bus stops and then
again when school lets out, for these times are when everyone
is in a hurry getting to school, work or returning home. I know
this because I stand with my children as we wait for their buses.
I stand out there on Schoenbar every morning and afternoon. Schoenbar
has a bend in the road across from the charter schools and there
are kids walking along the opposite side of the road where there
is no sidewalk. Cars drive so fast around the bend that they
often have to slam on their brakes just in time to notice a school
bus with their flashing lights. Or worse blow past them. In addition,
cars often don't stop for children at the cross walks. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

RE:
THE DEVIL WEARS POOL-LA By Vanessa Nowland - THE DEVIL WEARS
POOL-LA is quite honestly one of the best pieces of entertainment
to come out of Ketchikan in a long time. Thank you Mr. Dial for
sharing your knowledge on the financial hurdles we as a community
are up against. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

High
Costs & Judgmental Medicine By Ken Parks - I was transported
in 07 to Harborview Medical Center for injuries sustained during
an auto accident I didn't cause, the bill just about killed me
as the amount exceeded any expectation I could have afforded....
25,000 dollars for a 2 hour flight with life support was the
amount to fly with Guardian Flight. I realize we have to pay
for our services that are provided, but that's a little steep
by me. I could have died, without the assistance, but it seems
to be a little extreme don't you think???? - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Swimming
Pool By Kim O'Shea - It is refreshing to see your support
for development of a community facility. You have certainly hit
the needs of many of our communities.an aquatic facility that
can accommodate everyone. Every day, we are seeing the need for
pools that aqua-aerobics, hydrotherapy, lessons programs and
competitive clubs can use. - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Urination
(proper word) By Jacquie Meck - Mr. Bolling, you were quick
to attack Ms. Elliott's solution to a very large problem our
young people share with a great deal of the world, but my questions
to you are: - More...
Monday - October 05, 2009

Elections
By Cecelia Johnson - Elections for the Indian Reorganization
Act (IRA) is coming up fast. When you vote it is important to
vote for an individual who promotes tribal membership input.
The Health Board has been changed to Health Committee and the
public no longer can vote for their health representative. They
are now appointed by tribal council. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Kyle
Palmer & Upcoming Elections By Cheryl L. Dodson - I am
the grandmother of Kyle Palmer, the young man who was shot in
the face while asleep in his apartment in Ketchikan on September
1, 2009. Our family is finally at the point where we can thank
and acknowledge the beautiful people who have sent their love,
prayers and good wishes to us. We especially want to express
our appreciation to those of you from Ketchikan who have come
together as a community in showing your love and support for
Kyle. You are too numerous to name individually, but we will
not forget each and every one of you. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Vote
Yes for the New Pool By Mike Dooley - I agree with Zig Ziegler
100%, and I will certainly vote yes for the new pool. I use the
pool on a daily basis. Mr. Ziegler's letter did a great job listing
the folks that use the pool, and I thank him for his research.
- More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

PLEASE
SUPPORT A NEW POOL! By Lois Munch - One summer day, when
rain canceled a tennis game, I went to the newly opened pool
to swim. And thus began a relationship that continues today.
- More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

THE
DEVIL WEARS POOL-LA By Rodney Dial - After my last letter
regarding the pool I received phone calls, emails and had people
stop me to comment on the letter. Only one of those I talked
to still believed we should build the mega pool, and not renovate
our existing facility. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Let's
vote for a new pool By R.K. Rice - As a regular user of the
pool, and observer of the non-stop use of the pool, I would hope
we can continue access to this vital facility. Reading the letters
from native Ketchikanites who recall numerous, yearly drownings
of their classmates, before we had a pool, dramatically illustrated
how important this pool is for the safety of Ketchikan's children.
Swim teams, Killer Whales, kids birthday pool parties are all
healthy activities to help our children make good choices. -
More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Re:
Important Community Information - The Pool Vote By Ken Bylund
- Rodney Dial's lengthy, and yet chillingly accurate report on
the Borough's decision to press on with the Mike Smithers Pool
replacement, has gone unchallenged by the promoters for this
> $fifty million dollar debt$ < that will be attached
to our future... they want it, and if or when they don't want
it anymore, they can just sell their property, and move away.
Their names are not attached to this loan; it is our property
that is attached... does this sound like an alluring consideration
for them who might be thinking to move here... or another reason
to leave? - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

VOTE
By Denise Buker - Just a question for Mr. Dial and his opposition
to the pool intiative...he stated in his letter: "..Valley
park pool can be re-opened while Mike Smithers Pool is being
renovated, meaning that we will ALWAYS have an open pool."
- More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Vote
for the Pool By Steve Clossick - Even though I do not live
in Ketchikan anymore, I want to express my support of the NEW
POOL in Ketchikan. I moved from Ketchikan 4 years ago and used
the pool on the regular basis. I also coached KKW under Coach
Martin during my time in Ketchikan.- More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Workshop
for Creek Street HD Zone By Richard Harney - The Planning
Department will be holding a Workshop session on November 10
at noon in the Assembly Chambers, in the White Cliff building
to discuss the Creek Street Historic District's section of code.
- More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Write
In Chris Barry for School Board By Chris Barry - Hi. I am
running for School Board as a write in candidate. As a write
in candidate, the voter must spell the name correctly and fill
in the bubble. My name is Chris Barry. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Customer
service By Bill Hartley - I wanted to express my opinion
on the customer service at a north of town retailer. It's my
opinion that the workers there may not be extremely well paid
so I don't expect to be treated like family when I walk in the
door, so here's what I do... get what I need and get the heck
out. It works for me. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Customer
Service By Heather Montero - I just thought I should add
that I applaud the people who DO have good customer service skills
at Walmart. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Poor
customer service By Ken Arriola - To you with complaints
of negative customer service at our local stores, sorry that
someone hurt your "feel goods". If you perceive this
to be a serious and/or pandemic problem among store personnel
then, your concerns rightfully should be addressed by the store
management, public forum won't get you far. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Customer
Service By Lisa Martin - I agree when it comes to customer
service, despite if it's minimum wage or not. WE all work for
our money and would like it if someone would acknowledge our
presence once in a while or make an effort to put forth seeing
that we may need help. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Health
care By Jessica Rollberg - I have been a working, tax paying
citizen for over 10 years now and have gone without health insurance
for 8 because of my inability to afford it. I pray constantly
that nothing will happen to me so that I can continue to support
my family. I graduated from college, I am educated. There is
no reason that I should have to fear for myself and my families
welfare should I fall victim to illness. - More...
Thursday PM - October 01, 2009

Vote
Yes for the New Pool By Zig Ziegler - I am a strong supporter
of the bond issue for the new pool. I have been an active user
of the pool since it was built and have seen how broad=based
the activities there are. Just the other day I saw the pool utilized
by mothers and fathers with infants, a crew from a cruiseship
doing lifeboat training, physical therapy for young adults to
older adults, and the school swim teams. This was just a portion
of the day! - More...
Saturday AM - September 26, 2009

Pace
and Borough Atty. By Michael Moyer - After reading Mr. Adams
letter concerning his child and the help PACE has provided and
then reading the attached threat by Mr. Brandt-Erichson, I would
suggest Mr. Brandt-Erichson be terminated immediately from employment
by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. - More...
Saturday AM - September 26, 2009

Customer
Service By Heather Montero - I have just read the letters
about customer service at Walmart. I lost a necklace there and
when I asked if anyone has turned it in, I got an immediate NO.
She didn't even bother to look in the box under the counter or
go in the back room and take a peek. So unless she already looked
for my necklace and knew it wasn't in there before I got there
she really didn't care and she made that very clear to me. -
More...
Saturday AM - September 26, 2009

Smile
By Lorrie Gunya - If Alaska Airlines could see how customers
are being treated here at Ketchikan International Airport, most
likely all would be demoted, or whatever their policy & procedures
are. - More...
Saturday AM - September 26, 2009

Customer
service By Tom Hanson - To all these people complaining about
the service they recieve, it's pretty simple, if you get treated
bad once um ok. You get treated bad twice not good, but to have
multiple bad experiences??? Why do you keep shopping there? Is
the crappy service worth the extra $2.31 cents you're gonna save?
Or are you using that much in gas to get there? - More...
Saturday AM - September 26, 2009

Kyle
Palmer Fundraiser By Rhonda Green - Congratulations to Kayla,
Tre', Danika, and all of the other Ketchikan High School students
involved in putting together the Concert/Spaghetti feed fundraiser
event for Kyle Palmer! - More...
Saturday AM - September 26, 2009

PACE
By Lonnie Adams - Good Day all. My name is Lonnie Adams and I
am a 27 year resident of Ketchikan, my wife Lisa and have been
married for 16 years. My two children were born and raise here
in Ketchikan, we have one child in 7th grade at Schoenbar and
one in fourth grade at Holy Name. Our youngest child was blessed
with dyslexia and has struggled in school from the beginning.
In third grade her teacher did research on dyslexia and our daughter
had the same characteristics, after struggling for years to help,
and get her help we finally have a direction that does help her,
my wife spent countless hours researching ways to help her finally
finding Camille Booth with the Pace Program out of Craig, AK.
- More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

Voting
in Hydaburg's City Election By Frances C. Natkong - To Registered
Voters of Hydaburg: I'm writing once again with the threat of
being sued hanging over my head because I feel that our school
here in Hydaburg needs to be about the children again. Right
now there are two (2) teachers for Kindergarten to 5th grades.
Sounds like way back in the day when all grades were grouped
in one class. We're supposed to be moving ahead not going further
back. - More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

Catching
a Can in Ketchikan By Bill Rentz - Great and informative
article on the history of canning in Ketchikan! We have a very
interesting history for such a young city. The fish wars were
one of the most exciting. - More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

Cats,
Wolves, Winter By Ardath Piston - If you let your cats outside
to roam, the likelihood that they will be eaten, hit by a car,
stolen, or killed by ingesting poison is high. There are many
possibilities as to why a cat does not come home besides being
eaten by a wolf. If you let your cats outside, you must accept
that they may not return. - More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

Multiple
pool indoor facility By Mick Nelson & Sue Nelson - The
USA Swimming Facilities Development Department is pleased to
learn of the community's interest in developing a multiple pool
indoor aquatic facility that would include pools for not only
competitive swimming but also pools and programs dedicated to
water safety for children and health and wellness for adults.
- More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

Concert/
Spaghetti feed fundraiser By Kayla Howe - On October 8th,
Ketchikan High School is holding a fund raiser for Kyle Palmer.
As we all know Kyle is recovering at Harborview Medical Center
in Seattle, Washington. Kyle is uninsured and will be requiring
extensive surgeries. - More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

RE:
Customer service By Candice Bailey - I am a frequent shopper
at our local big box store. I have had more bad shopping experiences
there than good ones. - More...
Thursday - September 24, 2009

Alaska
Airlines Fails to Live Up To New Moto, "North of Expected"
By Russell Thomas - Before Alaska Airlines rolls out another
catchy slogan to adorn its uniforms and promotional material,
they ought to spend some time talking with their team about how
it might actually be implemented. Yesterday I watched as nearly
twenty of their customers were left in the Ketchikan lobby because,
although they had been in line for more than hour, they checked
in too late for the flight. Although most of my 45 clients and
their bags made the 6:15 a.m. ferry, the ferry was too full to
allow our last van (carrying some of the luggage) to board the
ferry. When the last van did arrive the lobby was stilled packed
with people and fish that had arrived on the 6:15 a.m. ferry.
The people whose luggage arrived on the 6:45 a.m. ferry lined
up behind the others who were already patiently waiting in line.
- More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Drugs
By Ken Lewis - It is understandable that we have an emotional
outrage over drug use, locally, regionally and nationally. And
that focusing upon our young adults just might curb future use.
But if the reason we send our youth to public schools is to get
the best education, then I will suggest the following: - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

To
pee or not to pee By Chris Elliott - I'm confused. Is the
current drug testing policy, the one in place in the Ketchikan
School District, unconstitutional? What about Acton v. Vernonia?
Is it lawful to drug test students who participate in extracurricular
activities? My suggestion or recommendation that parents and
teachers work together on a plan for selective or suspicion-based
drug testing was just that. Perhaps it wasn t as clear as it
could have been, but I was envisioning a voluntary, confidential
program. My whole point was that it should not be punitive. In
addition, I would strongly disagree that the only information
teachers have is gossip picked up in the hallways. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

To
Pee or Not to Pee By Kristenia Johnson - I would first like
to say that while I agree that drug testing should be performed
and more frequently with no interference from coaches, it is
not the only problem facing children and teens today. I do not
know if drugs or alcohol were involved in the recent suicides
but there certainly was no reference of them in the police reports
as I saw. This should show that a mental or emotional issue was
prominent and along with the debate (and action) of drug testing
should be the debate (and action) of helping our young adults
with their mental and emotional wellbeing. -
More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Wolves
in Ward Lake area By Ardath Piston - It is always good to
be aware of wolf activity in our area. I appreciate Meghan Hogben
taking the time to inform everyone that the packs are making
their way closer to town. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Wolves
By Bev Newell - I read Meghan Hogben's SitNews letter about wolves.
We have two of our cats missing since April to Sept 3rd. Our
last cat went missing Sept. 3rd. We were told by Humane Society
for Animals that wolves could have gotten our last cat. It is
odd, three cats missing in four months. One of our neighbors
cats went missing this summer too. That makes three cats that
I know of missing. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Gas
Prices By Steve Randall - While visiting Juneau this past
week (Sept. 18, 2009), I was astounded to see gas prices at multiple
service stations that were 60-70 cents a gallon cheaper than
any in Ketchikan. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Customer
Service By Cayenne Rowton - Moving to Ketchikan from larger
cities in the south has been quite an experience. Mostly positive,
I find this town to be refreshing in its simplicity and beauty.
Being that there are limited places to shop for general goods,
I too am a frequent visitor to the local Wal-Mart. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Sobriety
Walk By Wanda Isaacs - On Saturday, September 26, 2009 in
Klawock there will be an island wide Sobriety Walk. The event
is intended for families and individuals. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Reckless
Health Care Changes By Donald A. Moskowitz - President Obama
continues to pitch his reckless and unrealistic health care initiative
to the public. "Big Brother" Obama wants Congress to
pass a bill quickly before Congress and the public understand
the plan. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Abusive
treatment of animals By Alka Chandna - Reports of color blindness
experiments on squirrel monkeys at the University of Washington
(UW) have only speculated on any relevance to human beings and
have failed entirely to mention the pain and misery suffered
by the hundreds of monkeys, cats, dogs, gerbils, and rats used
by the experimenters over the past 25 years. These animals are
invariably forced to endure lives of deprivation, terror, depression,
and physical trauma. - More...
Monday PM - September 21, 2009

Important
Community Information By Rodney Dial - As you decide how
you will vote on the proposed Pool bonds on October 6th, you
may want to consider the following concerning the health of the
City and Borough finances: - More...
Thursday - September 17, 2009

To
Pee or Not to Pee By Evan Bolling - Aside from the extreme
unconstitutionality of the current drug testing system, the proposal
for a "selective drug testing policy" offered by Chris
Elliot is much MUCH worse. - More...
Thursday - September 17, 2009

North
Slope seas contain oil and gas vital to US By Senator Lisa
Murkowski - Alaska's offshore oil and natural gas resources are
vital to the nation's strategic economic and energy security.
That's why I strongly support responsible exploration and production
in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas. - More...
Thursday - September 17, 2009

Drug
Testing By Chris Elliott - As parents we are sometimes (oftentimes?)
oblivious to what is going on right in front of us. We can't
see the forest for the trees. We can't believe that our child
would lie to us or take drugs or routinely drink too much. We
believe that because their friends come from "good"
homes, everything is fine. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

KPU
DIESEL GENERATION EXPLANATION By Pete Ellis - The reasoning
behind running diesel generators at this time of year needs to
be further explained by KPU so that we can understand the economics
involved in not waiting to see the effect of Tyee connection
access and the extent of lake level changes that will be occurring
later in the year as affected by Tyee and our further rainfall.
Or perhaps the Tyee connection will cost more than the diesel
generation? - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

RE:
They just don't get it By Dave Kiffer - On Sept. 8, the Ketchikan
Gateway Borough Assembly authorized $6,000 for a voter pamphlet
for the swimming pool bond issue AND the transient occupancy
tax changes. It is now estimated that the pamphlet will actually
cost approximately $3,200. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Yes
to Proposition 2 By Mary Schulz - YES, it is time to replace
the Mike Smithers' pool with a new facility. The movement to
build pools in Alaska began 40 years ago. The State of Alaska
recognized the value of pools in each community and developed
a plan to assist with the pool projects through the Department
of Education. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Airlift
Northwest's History By Shelly Deering - In 1978, a Sitka
house fire left 3 children severely burned. Dr. Michael Copass,
founder of Airlift Northwest, was teaching there at the time
and spent the day assisting Dr. Longenbaugh in caring for and
trying to arrange transfer of these critically injured children
to the regional burn center in Seattle. The children died before
this could happen. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Don't
be too quick By Evan Bolling - Let's play a quick session
of Q&A. Question: Does Ketchikan have a major drug abuse
problem? Answer:Yes. Question II: Is that drug abuse the major
force behind the recent suicides? Answer: No. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Suicide,
Violence, and Drug Abuse. By Ken Bylund - At thirteen [1955],
two friends and I went to see "Rebel Without a Cause"
[a movie] at the local cinema's 25 cent matinee; a few weeks
later one friend began acting out, the distraught, misunderstood,
unreachable character of young Jim Stark, arguing with
his girl friend - and she played her part too - both seeming
to enjoy the drama... then he did something that stunned us all.
Won't go into detail, just that we all went to the funeral parlor,
saw his mother sitting in a chair, her back against black curtains,
crying her eyes out -- we all felt bad -- there in his coffin,
rosy cheeks and handsome, was our friend, Doug. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Rendezvous
Senior Day Services Adult Day Program - Adult Day Services
week is celebrated September 21-25th by centers like Rendezvous
Senior Day Services across the nation. Alaska has 12 adult day
programs across the state, two in Southeast Alaska. Rendezvous
Senior Day Services currently has an adult day program, among
other programs which support our community. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Eyes
Finally Opening By Nicole Esau - Upon watching and reading
SitNews lately I have to say that I am encouraged that the people
of Ketchikan are finally opening their eyes! - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

I
Do Not Assert A Stigma By Harold A. Maio - Thereis
such a stigma regarding Mental Health. The sentence actually
reads, "I associate such a stigma." It is the
writer's statement. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Mayor's
support of 347 Bawden EPA Assessment By Kenneth Carpenter
- As the owners of 347 Bawden Street, we extend our public thanks
to Mayor Lew Williams III for his writing a letter of support
for EPA assessment on the behalf of the City of Ketchikan. -
More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

The
Time Is NOW To Act By Kristenia Johnson - After my letter
was published on Sitnews I received a number of responses from
my friends and family congratulating me on saying what they have
been thinking for years. I also received a reply from a man I did
not know who shared his struggles with staying positive
while growing up in Ketchikan and having to combat
depression almost year round during the rain. He suffers
from SAD. I also knew to expect those replies who did not whole
or at all agree with my opinion, one opinion more personal
to me was from my boyfriend. While he agreed with some
of what I said he still had his disagreements and it hurt
me to hear a semi-lack of support from him. I soon realized that
this was my big test to understand that not everyone shares
the same opinion. However, this is not about me or whether you
believe my opinion is one sided or not. Aren't all opinions usually
geered toward one side? This is about protecting and saving our
children and our town from drugs, alcohol and disruptive behavior
which will most likely lead to a life in and out and in jail
again. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Suicide
By Tracey Horne Scadden - Having read Ms. Martin's letter on
her thoughts about suicide.I applaud you for taking the stand
it wasn't your fault. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Wolves
By Meghan Hogben - This is a letter to warn people who are walking
dogs in the Ward Lake area. Minutes before 8 pm tonight my boyfriend
and I were walking our dog on the road down to Ward Lake, they
were unmistakable -- wolves, five of them, and they wanted our
dog. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

RE:
Memorial fund By Linda Beaupre - First of all, my condolences
to the Azure family. Not only do they have to grieve for their
son, but they also have to process the tragic circumstances of
his death. I cannot imagine the heartache they must be experiencing
right now. - More...
Wednesday - September 16, 2009

Response
to "Enough" By Rebecca Clark - I couldn't agree
with Mr. Ziegler more! Drugs, murder and suicide seem to be a
big problem; EVERYWHERE! It seems more threatening when it is
closer to home. "Gatekeepers" is a suicide prevention
coalition that had their open house last night. I encourage those
in our community who want to be proactive in the fight against
these monstrosities(both physical and spiritual) to attend upcoming
invitations. - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Ketchikan
Youth By Sara Skan - After reading and agreeing with Public
Nuisance by Harry Howard, it got me thinking. Yes, there are
quite a bit of Ketchikan youth that is disrespectful, destructive
amongst other things. However, there is also a side of our beautiful
town's youth that is worth encouraging. Three of my four children
are enrolled in the Ketchikan school district, on many occasions
my oldest has spoken with me about the things that are said and
done on the bus, the way the "older kids talk" It makes
me nervous to send her off! She is learning things that she shouldn't
know at her age, things their father and I should be discussing
with them at what we feel is the appropriate time. As a parent
I also know that I am responsible for teaching my children to
have good judgment and knowing the difference between right and
wrong. Having respect and compassion for their elders and one
another. - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Worried
By Rebecca Simpson - I am a concerned citizen of Ketchikan and
worried about the children and young adults in our area. There
is so many actions being taken by the young people in our area.
With all the drug and alcohol use in this town, WHY isn't drug
& alcohol awareness being taught to our students? - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

RE:
Too many suicides and attempts By Charlanne Heath - While
I realize that this forum is intended to spout your own point
of view to a community, Kristenia Johnson's letter is a typical
one-sided point of view. - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Mental
Health Stigma By Jan Cadero - This letter is in response
to Mykayla Martin's letter regarding too many suicides or attempts.
Mykayla, it is really sad that you at the young age of 17, have
a strong opinion regarding suicide. And it is a tragic thing
that anyone should have to deal with, but you should not say
it is an easy way out. - More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Healthcare
reform By Dale Albertson - In reading Dale McFeatters' oped
on Healthcare reform I was inclined to ignore this issue. However,
truth always wins out. Revisit the "speech" on this
matter to the joint session. It is empty of fact or substance,
full of rhetoric and grandstanding. There is plenty of denial
on issues dear to the citizens but empty of sources to back up
those denials, just denial, oh, and threats against any who oppose
the "reforms". Here is just one "fact" relative
to peoples concerns: In an article by Byron York, Chief Political
Correspondent, The Washington Examiner, entitled: "Health
care reform means more power for the IRS", he claims that
the IRS would become the main agency charged with determining
if you have "acceptable" health insurance. This article
inspired Herman Cain, "The Herman Cain Show" to do
some research. He found the following little tidbit: "It's
Division A, Title IV on pages 167-215 called Amendments to IRS
Code of 1986. The expanded powers of the IRS in H.R. 3200 would
empower the IRS to require taxpayers to show proof of health
insurance coverage, collect fines on individuals and employers
who did not have adequate proof of health insurance and determine
whether your health insurance was a government approved plan."
- More...
Monday - September 14, 2009

Time
to say "Enough" By Zig Ziegler - There is a huge
problem in Ketchikan that appears to be the undercurrent to much
of the criminal activity, suicides and social problems we are
experiencing. That problem is drugs, specifically, meth and oxycontin.
I would be willing to wager that drug use is directly linked
to so much of what our community has been facing over the past
few years. Is Ketchikan alone in this? Certainly not. Is that
an excuse for not taking on this problem head on? Absolutely
not. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

RE:
Too many suicides and attempts By Kristenia Johnson - I am
having a hard time believing that people in Ketchikan could solely
blame a person for ending their own life.There are two (from
what I understand) different suicides in a matter of a few
months in Ketchikan and neither share two commonalities. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

Kyle
Palmer Had KIC insurance...but By Wayne Beaupre - Ketchikan
Indian Corp has refused to cover Kyle Palmer, a 23 year member
of Ketchikan Indian Corp because, they were not notified first.
- More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

They
just don't get it By Jon Van Essen - I really find it hard
to believe that the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly feels
the need to spend $55K to supposedly inform us voters all the
details on why we need a new community pool. - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

My
Roof Thanks You! By Shauna Lee - I recently wrote a letter
to Sitnews regarding my leaking roof and asked for ideas. I must
say, Ketchikan didn't fail me. I had three phone calls and numerous
letters with offers to help. I couldn't even get to them all
so please know that to every one of you that called and wrote,
I thank you so much!! - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

Sea
Otters By Mike Moyer - In response to Mr. Jean Bland's letter
to me concerning the truth about Sea Otters, I can only say that
if there are no shellfish around Craig, Klawock, or Hydaburg
now, then how did people survive in the old days there before
the Russians wiped out the Sea Otters? - More...
Thursday PM - September 10, 2009

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